Mucuna paniculata
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Mucuna
Species:
M. paniculata
Binomial name
Mucuna paniculata
Synonyms[3]
  • Mucuna horrida Baill.
  • Mucuna myriaptera Baker

Mucuna paniculata is a species of flowering, woody vine in the family Fabaceae, the bean family. It is native to northern Madagascar where it is locally known in Malagasy as vohinkovika.[1][4] It flowers between June and August.[1]

Distribution and habitat

Mucuna paniculata is found at elevations between sea level to 2,500 m (8,200 ft) in northern Madagascar. These vines can be found in both humid and sub-humid forests, usually near rivers and streams.[1]

Toxicity

Species in the genus Mucuna are known to carry irritant hairs. These hairs contain mucunain, an enzyme which causes itching.[5] This enzyme can be destroyed using heat.[6]

Cultivation

This plant usually grows well in well-drained soil under shade.[7] They are propagated with seeds.[4]

Conservation

It is listed as 'least concern' by the IUCN.[1]

Threats

Habitat destruction by slash-and-burn techniques pose a potential threat to the species.[1][4]

Protected areas

The species is found in the protected areas of the Betampona Integral Natural Reserve, Manongarivo Special Reserve, Marojejy National Park, Masoala National Park and Montagne d'Ambre National Park.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Members of the IUCN SSC Madagascar Plant Specialist Group (2015-03-26). "Mucuna paniculata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 2020-09-28.
  2. ↑ "Mucuna paniculata". International Plant Names Index. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Harvard University Herbaria & Libraries and Australian National Botanic Gardens. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  3. ↑ "Mucuna paniculata Baker". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 2017. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  4. 1 2 3 "Mucuna paniculata - Useful Tropical Plants". tropical.theferns.info. Retrieved 2020-09-28.
  5. ↑ Wiriadinata, H.; Ohashi, H.; Adema, F. (2016-09-12). "Notes on Malesian Fabaceae (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae). 16. The genus Mucuna". Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants. 61 (2): 90–124. doi:10.3767/000651916X692799.
  6. ↑ Cowan, R. S.; Allen, O. N.; Allen, E. K. (February 1982). "The Leguminosae: A Source Book of Characteristics, Uses, and Nodulation". Taxon. 31 (1): 133. doi:10.2307/1220602. ISSN 0040-0262. JSTOR 1220602.
  7. ↑ Fayaz, Ahmen, 1968- (2011). Encyclopedia of tropical plants : the identification and cultivation of over 3,000 tropical plants. Firefly Books. ISBN 978-1-55407-489-1. OCLC 1059274282.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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